New certification for aircraft coatings debuts
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings, and Honda Aircraft recently marked the creation of the first industry certification for Aerospace Coatings Applicators professionals by conferring this new credential upon four Honda Aircraft employees, who are the first people to complete the certification program.
SSPC and Embry-Riddle conducted the first professional training and certification of individuals involved in this aerospace coatings application. Jason O’Neal, Michael Garza, Eliot Ewald, and Jeffrey Varner — all from Honda Aircraft — are the first four recipients of the new certification, which they completed in late August.
The collaboration between Embry-Riddle, SSPC and Honda Aircraft was driven by a common goal to lead the industry toward higher paint quality by creating a standard for quality in the preparation of an aircraft’s surface and in the training of professionals to consistently achieve that standard, according to company officials.
“In our role as a global leader in aviation and aerospace education, it was logical for Embry-Riddle to take the lead in developing a training program for aerospace coatings applicators as part of our mission to the industry,” said Al Astbury, Director of Embry-Riddle – Worldwide’s Office of Professional Education.
“SSPC is honored that we were chosen by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Honda Aircraft to be a partner in this first of its kind training and certification program dealing with aerospace coatings application,” said William Shoup of SSPC. “Aircraft coatings are extremely important in preventing corrosion and cracking, as can be documented by the structural failure that occurred in Hawaii in 1988 and the recent structural failure with a major airline. Coatings are the first line of defense in preventing such structural failures and certified applicators are the vanguards in such an effort.”
Embry-Riddle will offer online training to lead to the new Aerospace Coatings Applicators certification program beginning in January. For more information: ERAU.edu
Pingback: New certification for aircraft coatings debuts | Private Jet Charter Service